Ponderings of a Pagan Priest

Join me as I briefly discuss Carl Jung's concept of The Self and the Process of Individuation. How can these inform and enhance our NeoPagan practice and paths?

In this episode our intrepid traveler meets The Emperor, The Hierophant, and The Lovers. 

This is the first episode where I follow the Fool on his journey through the energies of the 21 other Major Arcana. In this episode The Fool meets The Magician, The High Priestess, and The Empress.

If the Divine is omnipresent then the Divine is indwelling. We are all manifestations of that Divine. As such, we are one.

This is a discussion of ravens. Can you tell the difference between ravens and crows? How has the raven been seen in folklore, history, and mythology around the world? What does a raven mean as a power animal, or as a totem, or as a spirit animal? If you love ravens, this is an episode for you.

None of us like to use labels. We all feel that we do not fit into a box. But, we must use language in order to communicate. So we use labels, at least as a starting point. However, each of us may define those labels differently. Join me as I discuss the term "Pagan". 

We are all one. There is no separation between us. Join me as I discuss this concept. My ramblings take on the idea of the "us versus them" worldview as well as judging others by our own standards.

An introduction to Hermetic Qabala. What is the Qabala, or Tree of Life? What are the sepheroth? What are the three pillars? What is the lightning flash? What are the worlds? What are the triads? I briefly introduce these concepts in this episode.

The virtue of the QBL Sphere Malkuth (Kingdom) is discrimination; and its vices are inertia and avarice. Join me for a discussion of these concepts. What is discrimination, as the term is used in the QBL? How does the concept of inertia work in magical thinking?  

We all walk our path alone. It can be no other way. Join me as I discuss the idea that each of us must and can only walk our own path.  I also touch on how the Hermit card lies on the path between Chesed and Tifereth.

Are the female figurines that seem to be everywhere in pre-history really proof that the ancients worshipped a mother goddess?

Advice and encouragement for those who are new to the Craft of the Wise, while dropping thoughtseeds for seasoned travelers.

Why do we use the term "Witch"? Join me as I ponder this.

What is Ego? Can we rid ourselves of it? Join me in this discussion.

Why do we not have anything written by Socrates? Join me as I explore thoughts on the recorded word. 

Mercury retrograde is astrologically considered a rough time for all things dealing with communication. Join me as I discuss how we can reframe this energy in a way that can benefit us. Use this link to send me a message!  (Message Me)  Check out International Pagan Radio! Like and follow Ravens Nest Media on Facebook to get the latest news on my media projects. Be well, and stay engaged!

This podcast is a new medium for me. I have done live talk radio. I have hosted prerecorded radio shows. I have created YouTube videos. But this is a new venue for me. I hope you enjoy it. In this very first podcast episode, I want you to get to know me a little better. I decidedly did not use even a "soft script" when creating this episode. I feel as though you can get a better feel for who I am in this way. Feel free to message me, please. Audio messages can be up to one minute long. I may use your message in future episodes.

I Am Thinking, Therefore I Am — a quiet blade slipped beneath a famous phrase. We’ve inherited “I think, therefore I am” as marble. But Descartes’ own French breathes: “Je pense, donc je suis” — present, alive: I am thinking, therefore I am.In this reflection, Papa Onyx traces how a small translation choice can shape whole cultures. We visit 1637’s Discourse on the Method (French), 1641’s Meditations (Latin), and Descartes’ 1647 return to French — then ask what else we’ve accepted in stone that began as breath. Label vs. pulse: “I think” or “I am thinking” Why Descartes chose French (access) and Latin (authority) How English inherited the tombstone What other tongues (French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German) still hear The larger question: where else has mistranslation shaped us?Join the conversation: the hearth for comments is the companion essay on OnyxPonders.com (search the title “Cogito Ergo Sum — What Got Lost in Translation”).Intro voice: Luniea • Host: Papa Onyx • Production: Papa Onyx

In this episode of Ponderings of a Pagan Priest, Papa Onyx wades into the messiness of true leadership. We often want our leaders to appear spotless — stainless, polished, untouched by the dirt of human conflict. But real leadership is never clean. It means scars, misunderstandings, and carrying the shadows of others.Through myth, parable, and reflection, Papa Onyx explores why dirt is not a mark of failure but proof of service — and why the stains of leadership may be the most sacred signs of all.Explore more atOnyx Ponders🔥 A work of Raven's Nest International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

What happens when the voice of the priest falls silent?In this intimate and reflective episode of Ponderings of a Pagan Priest, Papa Onyx returns after a long pause—not with fanfare, but with reverence for the stillness that shaped him. This is not just a comeback; it is a confession, a contemplation, and a quiet unfolding.Why do those who speak for Spirit sometimes fall silent? What truths are hidden in the hush? What does it cost to withhold words, and what grows in their absence?Through myth, memory, and personal revelation, this episode explores: The difference between sacred silence and hollow quiet Why the voice of a priest is not always meant to be heard Mythic stories of withdrawal—from Odin to Demeter to Hermes The cost of going quiet—and the gifts buried within it What it means to speak again, but differentlyWith questions to stir your own reflection: Are you in a season of speaking or listening? What silence is being asked of you? What voice waits to be reborn?Whether you’ve missed his voice or are discovering it for the first time, this episode is a gentle invitation back into the Mystery—a reminder that sometimes, the most sacred words are the ones that waited.“The voice you’re hearing now is tempered by the hush—less for performance, more for presence.”Let the pondering begin.